Eileen Gu Seeks Big Air Title Defence Amidst Scheduling Row at Milan Cortina 2026
LIVIGNO, 16 February 2026 – China’s freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu is set to compete in the women’s Big Air final tonight, aiming to defend her Olympic title and secure her second medal of the Milan Cortina 2026 Games. The 22-year-old, who remains one of the most commercially successful athletes in winter sports, enters the final following a dramatic qualification round and public criticisms regarding the Olympic competition schedule.
Chasing History in Livigno
Eileen Gu, the reigning Olympic champion in Big Air and Halfpipe, qualified for the final in second place behind Switzerland’s Mathilde Gremaud. Despite a scare during her earlier runs where she sat in 17th place, Gu secured her spot in the final with a high-scoring “left double 1080” on her final attempt. She is currently tied for third in the live standings with Italy’s Flora Tabanelli, while Canada’s Megan Oldham holds the second spot.
The final, scheduled for this evening in Livigno, represents a pivotal moment for Gu as she attempts to replicate her historic three-medal haul from the Beijing 2022 Games. Beyond the Big Air event, she is also a heavy favourite for the upcoming Halfpipe competition.
Controversy Over Olympic Scheduling
The lead-up to the final has been marked by uncharacteristic friction between the athlete and organisers. Gu has expressed her frustration with the 2026 competition calendar, claiming it penalises athletes competing in multiple disciplines. “Being the only woman in three events should not be penalised,” Gu stated, referring to the lack of training windows provided between the different freestyle disciplines. The star athlete reportedly missed key training sessions due to overlapping schedules, a situation she described as “saddening” for the sport’s progression.
Key Statistics: Eileen Gu at the Winter Olympics
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Age | 22 Years Old |
| Olympic Medals (Total) | 4 (3 Gold, 1 Silver – including 2026 progress) |
| 2026 Events | Big Air, Halfpipe, Slopestyle |
| Estimated Annual Earnings | €21.5 million ($23 million) |
| Education | Stanford University |
The “Eileen Gu Inc.” Phenomenon
Off the slopes, Gu continues to be a dominant force in global marketing. With major partnerships including Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co., her off-field earnings are estimated at over €21 million annually. While her decision to represent China over the United States remains a topic of international debate, her commercial appeal in both markets remains unprecedented. Reports during these Games have highlighted the significant financial incentives involved in her representation of the Chinese team, though Gu maintains her focus is on inspiring a new generation of skiers in Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which country does Eileen Gu represent?
Eileen Gu represents China. Although she was born and raised in California, USA, she chose to compete for her mother’s home country starting in 2019.
What events is Eileen Gu competing in at Milan Cortina 2026?
She is competing in three freestyle skiing disciplines: Big Air, Slopestyle, and Halfpipe. She is the defending champion in both Big Air and Halfpipe.
Why did Eileen Gu criticise the 2026 Olympic organisers?
Gu expressed frustration that the event schedule did not allow sufficient time for athletes competing in multiple disciplines to attend all necessary training sessions, arguing that the calendar was poorly designed for multi-event specialists.